I've seen a lot of great team sports anime like Haikyuu!! and Kuroko's Basketball, but I'm curious if there are any excellent sports anime that focus on individual sports or perhaps very small teams. Something different from the usual volleyball/basketball/baseball setup. Any recommendations?
'Yuri!!! on Ice' is a fantastic figure skating anime! It's got beautiful animation, great character development, and a super heartwarming romance. So much passion! ⛸️
'Chihayafuru' is about karuta, a competitive card game based on classical poetry. It sounds niche, but it's incredibly intense, emotional, and well-animated. Don't let the cards fool you!
'Run with the Wind' focuses on track and field (specifically a relay team, but it highlights individual runners' journeys). It's very inspiring and beautifully animated, with a mature cast.
'Ping Pong the Animation' is an absolute masterpiece. The art style is unique, and it delves deep into the psychology of the players. It's about competitive table tennis but so much more.
'Ashita no Joe' is a classic boxing anime. It's gritty, dramatic, and a cornerstone of the genre. If you want individual struggle and determination, this is it.